Shadow Puppetz

Chicago Funk styles dance crew, established 2019.

Join us in revitalizing funk dance styles in chicago and the midwest

Rooted in Black American culture, funk dance styles including popping, robot, animation, locking, waving, and tutting have profoundly shaped mainstream culture and media, yet their cultural significance often goes unrecognized. We’re dedicated to honoring the legacy of these dance communities and amplifying the voices of their dancers. Through accessible educational opportunities, authentic performances, and community events, we create spaces for dancers to hone their craft, exchange knowledge, and connect with the rich cultural heritage they embody. Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved in shaping the future of these dance forms.

News & Features

Featured
Shadow Puppetz Receives Grant From Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Shadow Puppetz Receives Grant From Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

We’re thrilled to announce that Out of the Shadows, Shadow Puppetz’s annual popping festival, has been selected to receive partial funding by the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

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Tatiana “Tanya” Armendariz Recieves Chicago DanceMakers Forum’s DanceChance Award, Showcases Waving with Flow First
Tatiana “Tanya” Armendariz Recieves Chicago DanceMakers Forum’s DanceChance Award, Showcases Waving with Flow First

We are excited to announce that Tatiana “Tanya” Armendariz, Co-Founder of Shadow Puppetz and Founder of Flow First Waving Collective, has been honored with the DanceChance Award by Chicago DanceMakers Forum. This award provided Tanya with a unique opportunity to choreograph and perform an original work that showcased waving, a style she has been championing throughout her career.

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Zero Tolerance for Harm: Our Commitment to a Safe Dance Environment
Zero Tolerance for Harm: Our Commitment to a Safe Dance Environment

We believe that great dancing comes from exploration, and that exploration can only happen in a space that values trust, respect, and transparency.

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Donate

We are nonprofit-intent and working towards achieving 501(c)(3) status. Your contributions are crucial in helping us grow and build the sustainability needed to reach this milestone. Over 50% of the funds we raise directly support the artists we work with, while the rest covers essential costs like space rentals, equipment, and operations. Your generosity not only fuels our current efforts but also helps us build a stronger, more sustainable future for our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

We are responsible and transparent with our funds. Learn more about how our funds are spent.